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Top Shelf Starts: Week 3

“We’re on to week 3.”

Sunday cannot come soon enough as I try and find my dignity that got stolen, spit on and then stomped on after this past week. But don’t worry everyone, I did what any person in my position would do. I went to the Wednesday mass at my local church. I lit a candle. And I said a prayer. You’re welcome.

Injuries, as always, have completely changed the landscape of many fantasy leagues. Unfortunately for most, it happened much earlier this season than anyone had expected. Well, I suppose except for the wide receiver apologist who have been beating their chest this week louder than King Kong atop the Empire State building. Whether or not you believe in that theory or think that after two weeks that is the correct approach in drafts, which I do not, we can at least agree on this one thing – this week cannot and will not be worse than last week!

Top Shelf StartsMatt Ryan (QB2)- Through two weeks of the season, Ryan is the number one fantasy quarterback. Ryan typically plays very well against the Saints and there’s no reason to think his success won’t continue on prime time. After this week, however, Atlanta hosts Carolina, plays at Denver and at Seattle. Sell high.

Melvin Gordon (RB3)- Oh has the narrative changed on Melvin Gordon. Prematurely called a bust, all Gordon has done through two weeks is just be a top ten running back each week. With Danny Woodhead officially on IR, Gordon’s workload is going to be significant. Given that workload and playing against arguably the worst defense in the NFL, sign me up.

Phillip Dorsett (WR28)- If there’s a receiver that’s going to get ten targets from Andrew Luck, I’m highly interested. I have Dorsett ranked 28th this week, and I think I’m too low looking back at it now. Dorsett is in line for a monster week.

Dennis Pitta (TE5)- Pitta looks to be back to 100% and it’s showing up in the fantasy box scores. He looks like his top-ten-tight-end-self again.

Hunter Henry (TE12)- Getting his first career start with Antonio Gates sitting this one out, I see Henry making a big impact this week. Again, I cannot say it enough: The Colts defense might be the worst in the NFL. Start all your Chargers.

Players in the WellT.J. Yeldon (RB27)- While it’s only two games, Yeldon has been flat out bad. He has had 40 touches for 107 yards. Let that sink in. In what was supposed to Yeldon’s time to break out with Chris Ivory out, he’s done the exact opposite. Now with Ivory expected back, I’m staying far away from Yeldon.

Jerick McKinnon (RB25)- There’s not many people out there that like McKinnon more than I do. This week, and possibly this season, I’m not sure I’m buying, though. The running game for the Vikings has been non-existent thus far this season. Now starting their backup left tackle, Matt Asiata likely stealing the goal line carries and playing on the road at Carolina, I’ll pass.

Sammy Watkins (WR34)- I’ve never been a huge Watkins fan. From being over drafted in the NFL, to all the crazy hype surrounding him in each of his first three NFL seasons. I just don’t see him as anything more than a glorified DeSean Jackson. Which, for the record, is a good NFL player. But let’s pump the breaks on him being a top ten guy. Anyway, his foot is still a problem and now he’s facing the best corner in the NFL in my opinion. No thank you.